Rogge hails Uganda

Jan 13, 2007

THE most powerful man in sports Jacques Rogge has hailed the Olympic record of ‘tiny’ Uganda.<br>“It’s usually the big powerful countries that win most medals but there are also exceptions like Akii-Bua’s,” noted Olympic boss Rogge who started a two-day visit yesterday.

By James Bakama

THE most powerful man in sports Jacques Rogge has hailed the Olympic record of ‘tiny’ Uganda.
“It’s usually the big powerful countries that win most medals but there are also exceptions like Akii-Bua’s,” noted Olympic boss Rogge who started a two-day visit yesterday.

Rogge said Uganda’s performance was outstanding for a small developing nation.

Uganda’s greatest Olympic achievement came when Akii-Bua won a 400m hurdles gold medal at the 1972 Munich games in a world record of 47.82 seconds.

It was only unfortunate that Akii-Bua who passed away a decade ago, was not around to savour the moment.

But Rogge, also a 1972 Olympian, still met another of Uganda’s Olympic legends boxer Leo Rwabwogo at a dinner yesterday.

Since 1956, Uganda has won one gold, three silvers and two bronze medals.

Rogge later in the day gave Uganda tips on how funding for its Olympic programmes can be boosted.“Uganda should apply for the Olympafrica programme. I will back your application,” promised Rogge.

The Olympafrica programme was developed to benefit the youth of developing countries with the spin-offs and benefits of Olympism.
Olympafrica centres include sports and cultural facilities with a socio-educational dimension.

Sports state minister Charles Bakkabulindi promised a good performance at Beijing 2008.
Rogge was received by UOC president Maj. Gen. Francis Nyangweso. Nyangweso is also an IOC executive member and was until last year international boxing’s vice-president.

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